maybe one of the tuners could jump in on this

 

ttt until this puzzle is solved . . .

 

I noticed everyone changing their oil at low milage are having the problems. So I asked the dealer, where I got my 2001 L from, when I should first change the oil. He said do as the manual suggests at 5000 miles. So I did it at 4000 (about 2 months ago) but I did not abuse the truck during that time. Then when I took it into ford for an oil change they put 6q of 5w-30. I asked them why especially since it says to use 5w-20. They told me it was better for the truck to go with 5w-30 in the long run. Anyways, when I started the truck and drove it around listening for the infamous knocking problem, I did not hear anything. It sounded like it did before the oil change.

This is just my experience and I hope it helps out.

Eric

 

I have to say I totally agree with StruckBy99. This cannot possibly be normal. I've never heard of a normal engine knock in my life. In an effort to try and figure out what is going on with this problem I will do the following:

I am going to change the oil in my 02 L tomorrow. The mileage is 809.0. I will use a Motorcraft FL-820S filter and 6qts of Motorcraft Premium Synthetic Blend 5w 20. I will pre-lube the filter and I will pre-lube the engine before starting.

I will take an oil sample and send it off for analysis before changing the oil. If I get a knock (marble in can noise) after I change oil I will send off a second oil sample for analysis. Maybe that will tell us something.

Does anyone have any additional recommendations that I can do so we can try and figure out what is going on with these first oil changes. In any event let me hear from you if you have any recommendations and I will post back tomorrow of my results. Hope I don't get a damn knock or marble in can noise.

 

nostreetracing:

Damn fine idea!!!

Please let us all know what happens.

GOODLUCK

J

 

I'm betting twenty five cents that the original oil sample test shows it is heavier than 5w20.

Keep us posted . . .

 

Someone posted awhile back that they sent the oil from their L that came from the factory in for analysis and it turned out the factory had put 10w30 in the truck. I keep asking why would they then would specify 5w20. Could the change from 10w30 to 5w20 result in the "marble in a can" noise.

 

FlashSVT-I won't be at all suprised if you are correct. If in fact that turns out to be true, that oil analysis report will become very important to people who are having problems. Just to be safe, I will pull three samples in case someone questions the first test.

 

Ouch! I hope not. That sounds like something you would expect from a shady used car dealer trying to cover up an already existing problem with the vehicle.

 

What you're hearing is the factory "friction reducing" coating that has come off the pistons. When you change your oil it goes with the oil. All it is is the forged pistons in there slapping a little until the engine gets 1/2 way warm. Switch to 10W30 and it should go away. Mine did anyway. 5w20 & 5W30 is too thin for these engines, IMO. I think Sal posted this info a few months ago. The 5W-20 is just so Ford can increase their CAFE standards a small bit.

 

Frank S,

That is the best reasoning I have heard about this problem. Where did you come to this conclusion, if I may ask?

 

Frank S,

How long have you been using 10W-30. I have considered doing that when I switch to Mobil 1 synthetic at my next oil change. Did you notice any change in fuel economy?

 

This info is from Sal(Lightning Tuner). I tried it and it worked for me. I've noticed that some engines it doesn't make a difference. I don't think you'll see any mileage difference. Even if it was .1 of a mile per gallon worse, its worth it not to hear the knocking.

BTW, the '01 brochures actually mention the "friction reducing coating". lol. I'm no engineer but that tells me there is no way it will stay on the engine after a few heat cycles. Just a band-aid for piston slap.

 

Your first statement is not true. I(personally) changed my oil at 1.000 miles. For that first change, I used Motorcraft dino 5W20 oil and the Ford filter--no noise. I also use 3 oz. of Dyno Surge Metal Treatment. I know, I know --'snake oil'! Well, something is working? At 3.998 miles I changed over to Royal Purple #11(their 5W20) Synthetic Racing Oil and a K&N Gold oil filter--no noise.

I have continued using RP and K&N with no issues--no noise, no measureable oil useage(especially since I disabled the PCV valve and put two oil breathers on--one in place of the oil filler cap and one on the left cam cover after removing the tube to the intake boot),and this is with 22,000 miles on her now. I daily drive it, dynoed it for four pulls, and drag race it at the strip almost every weekend.

Is it the fault of mods? I don't think so. Mine is pretty well modded No, I d/k what's causing this problem with some and not with others. Please use someones synthetic oil, if for no other reason than the fact that synthetic oil does not 'drain off' the internal parts(cylinder walls, bearings, bushings, etc.) like a dino oil will. This reduces, if not prevents, the dreaded 'dry start' phenomenon.

Dan

 

I just received an interesting reply to an email I sent in reference to changing my oil and what weight oil to use. What I found very interesting is this peson states " I am an Engineer at Ford and know that many of our drag race cars and NASCARS run the Series 2000 0W-30 Severe Service as well as many Indy cars. It is the very best choice for your Lightning."

Ford's Engineers and Race Team don't use 5w20 so why should we?

First is my email to the company and the second is his reply.

From: "Gary"
To:
Subject: Change to Amsoil Synthetic Oil in 02 Lightning
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2002 13:57:50 -0500
Hello,
I read your article on 5w 20 oil and found it to be very interesting.
At what mileage on a new Lightning would you recommend for the first oil
change and at what mileage would you recommend going with Amsoil?
Should I use Amsoil 20w 50 or 0w 30 in my 02 Lightning? I currently use
20w 50 Amsoil in my modified 91 Mustang. I live in Miami, Florida so
heat is a factor.

Thanks for your help.

Gary

Hi Gary, I've got an entire section of my website devoted to answering the "when should I change my oil first and when can I switch to AMSOIL" it is at this link http://performanceoiltechnology.com/...ngtoamsoil.htm I recommend 3000 miles to unstall AMSOIL and do your first oil change with petroleum oil at 500 miles.

You do not need the 20W-50 in your Lightning, regardles sof where you live and the high ambient temperatures. It is overkill, in fact the 0W-30 does a better job at heat transfer in your vehicle than a 20W-50 will and it has a film strength better than most 50W oils (except AMSOIL 20W-50). I am an Engineer at Ford and know that many of our drag race cars and NASCARS run the Series 2000 0W-30 Severe Service as well as many Indy cars. It is the very best choice for your Lightning. Are you an AMSOIL Dealer already or do you need information of Dealerships or any product or technical info? Thanks.

Dave Mann
Lubrication Specialist - Truck/Automotive Engineer
Performance Oil Technology, L.L.C.
1-888-879-1362
2125 Newport Ct.
Wolverine Lake, MI 48390